Health

Measles immunization in children with clinical reactions to egg protein

Article Abstract:

A controversy exists over whether or not it is necessary to skin test children who have a history of sensitivity to eggs before the measles vaccine is administered. This vaccine is grown in chick embryo cell cultures and therefore contains small quantities of egg-related antigens. Children who are allergic to eggs sometimes react adversely to the vaccine, and symptoms may include hypotension (low blood pressure), skin eruptions, shock, wheezing, spasms of the larynx, and swelling of the mouth and throat. A study of 35 children was undertaken to assess the advisability of skin testing prior to measles vaccination. Thirty-two of the 35 children who were given the vaccine had a history of egg allergy; three had hypersensitivity to milk and had never ingested egg protein. These three children had positive pin-prick skin tests for egg. All 35 children were immunized with the measles vaccine without adverse effects. Although there is a high-frequency of egg sensitivity in children, the measles vaccine has been given to millions of children over the years without one fatality. Adverse reactions to the vaccine are unlikely, even in egg-sensitive children. In children with severe egg allergy, the vaccine could be administered at a facility equipped to treat any adverse reaction. Also, children who have developed hypotension and respiratory problems after exposure to egg protein could be considered for skin testing. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Skin testing prior to measles vaccination for egg-sensitive patients

Article Abstract:

Measles vaccine is grown in chick embryo cell cultures and therefore contains small quantities of egg-related antigens. As a result, children who are allergic to eggs sometimes react adversely to this vaccine. It has become common practice to skin test children for this allergy before administering the vaccine when an egg allergy is suspected. In a recent article published in January 1990 issue of American Journal of Diseases of Children, the author suggested that measles vaccine could be administered without skin testing, since the reliability of this test is questionable. It was observed that some children who have positive skin tests react adversely to the vaccine, while others who have negative skin tests do not. However, many still feel that skin testing is essential before measles vaccine is administered. This especially applies to patients who are known to have severe reactions to eggs which may include skin eruptions, respiratory difficulties, hypotension (low blood pressure), shock, or swelling of the mouth and throat. Even when skin tests are negative, patients who have experienced a severe allergic reaction to egg should be given the vaccine only when treatment for a possible reaction is immediately available. Administering skin tests, in addition to protecting the patient, will protect the physician from potential legal action in the event of an adverse reaction. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Your child's best friend: TV or not TV

Article Abstract:

The author of this article, a well-known pediatric immunologist, relates his experience as a parent regarding reducing family television viewing. He points out that we would think poorly of any of our children's 'friends' who monopolized them over three hours every day and discouraged their participation in sports, music, homework, and reading, as television does. In addition, television provides exposure to questionable attitudes toward sex, drugs, violence, and materialism. Abolishing TV privileges, except for nightly news and an hour on weekend nights, was as important and beneficial a decision as insisting on music lessons. Reasons for doing so included the his own desire to listen to classical music, and more significantly, to prevent the children from neglecting music, reading, and school responsibilities. The children, of course, felt this was too harsh, but after they adjusted, began to participate in sports, as well as the previously mentioned responsibilities; they also spent more time with friends. The author's grown children now feel that they did all right without TV, and follow the same policy for their children. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)